Penrith Origin hero in Broncos’ sights
QUEENSLAND Origin hero Kurt Capewell could make a shock move to the Brisbane Broncos next year as the Panthers utility faces being squeezed out of Penrith.
On the eve of Thursday night’s Broncos-Panthers showdown at Suncorp Stadium, the Cairns Post can reveal Capewell has been in discussions with Brisbane for months about a move to Red Hill in 2022.
Capewell’s rise to the State of Origin arena last year and
Penrith’s blossoming roster of emerging talent has created salary cap pressure at the Panthers.
Capewell could pocket upwards of $450,000 a season on his next contract and his agent, former Queensland fullback Clinton Schifcofske, revealed the Broncos were a serious contender.
“Kurt has a bit of interest from a few clubs and we are working through things now. We have assured Penrith we will go back to them before we do anything,” he said.
“A return to Queensland definitely appeals to him. He will weigh up all options and see what’s on the table.
“The Broncos showed some interest in the pre-season. We met with them but unfortunately the deal wasn’t the right deal at the time.
“Kurt backed himself to start the season well and that’s exactly what he has done off the back of Origin.
“I’m hopeful the Broncos will come back to us. He would be perfect for the Broncos, he is exactly what they need – an edge back-rower who is versatile and a leader.
“He has been playing great footy in the starting back-row for the Panthers five weeks in a row. Penrith want to keep him but Kurt isn’t going to get what he is worth.”
Capewell, 27, hails from Charleville in central Queensland and came through Brisbane’s under-20s system.
He caught the eye of Cronulla while starring for Ipswich in the Intrust Super Cup as the Jets won the 2015 premiership and national title.
Capewell played 64 NRL games for the Sharks from 2016-19 before joining Penrith in 2020 and will make his 79th NRL appearance at Suncorp Stadium. He overcame a painful groin injury to star for Queensland on debut last year, producing a remarkable Game One performance to help the Maroons set up a memorable series victory.
Former Broncos captain Sam Thaiday said Capewell’s natural instincts made him a threat in the structured NRL.
“The thing I love about him is he came through the Intrust Super Cup system under the Walker brothers (Shane and Ben),” he said.
“The Walker boys gave him an opportunity to be himself on the footy field. You can see that in his game.”